Softball Recap: Nooksack Valley Has No Trouble Against Ferndale

Pioneers

Margin (Wins)

04/22/25 @ Squalicum	19
03/26/25 vs Bellingham	17
03/22/25 @ Friday Harbor	15
04/24/25 @ Ferndale	11
04/19/25 vs Tenino	11

Nooksack Valley got themselves on the board against Ferndale on Thursday, but Ferndale never followed suit. They put the hurt on the Golden Eagles with a sharp 11-0 victory. Considering the Pioneers have won seven games by more than five runs this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.

Payton Bartl was a major factor while hitting and pitching. She looked comfortable on the mound, not allowing a single earned run and allowing only one hit over four innings pitched. Bartl was also solid in the batter's box, getting on base in all four of her plate appearances with two runs. That's the most runs she has posted since back in March.

In other batting news, Gracie Rutgers was incredible, going a perfect 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBI, and one double. That's the most hits she has posted since back in March. Shelby Mason was another key player, going 2-for-4 with one stolen base, two RBI, and one run.

Nooksack Valley always had someone on base and finished the game having posted an OBP of .556. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Ferndale only posted an OBP of .250.

Nooksack Valley's win was their third straight on the road, which pushed their record up to 11-3. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 12.7 runs over those games. As for Ferndale, they have traveled a rocky road recently, having lost six of their last seven matchups. That's put a noticeable dent in their 6-9 record this season.

Nooksack Valley will be playing at home against Meridian at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. The Pioneers are facing the Trojans at the right time seeing as the Trojans are stuck on a nine-game losing streak. As for Ferndale, they will venture away from home to face off against Mount Vernon at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. The Bulldogs will roll in looking for their 11th straight win, something the Golden Eagles surely won't give up without a fight.